At least once in a lifetime, every person has pain in his stomach. If they do not last long and do not cause serious discomfort, a visit to the doctor can be postponed for now. In more serious conditions, you will have to call an ambulance. Let's try to figure out what are the causes and treatment of nocturnal pain in the stomach.
Types of pain
By the nature of the course, gastric pain is:
- Visceral. In this case, the nerve endings on the abdominal wall are irritated. It feels like this pain resembles intestinal or hepatic colic.
- Parietal. It has a certain location, therefore it is accompanied by strong cuts. Symptoms are worse with movement or breathing.
- Psychogenic. They arise against the background of anxiety, nervous excitement.
- Neurogenic. Accompanying some neurological diseases. As for the sensations, the lumbago is felt, which can disappear and appear again.
Depending on the intensity, nightly pains in the stomach are divided into:
- throbbing
- cramping;
- stupid;
- sharp
- aching;
- shooting;
- burning and others.
In this case, the sensations can be growing, monotonous or calming down. And depending on the duration, they are acute and chronic.
Causes
Most often, stomach pains occur due to digestive problems. In the abdominal cavity there are many organs that can change their position. This can be associated not only with any pathology, but also with the position of the body, the time of day.
The following causes of nocturnal pain in the stomach should be highlighted:
- Violation of peristalsis. Closer to sleep and during it, the movement of the walls slows down, as a result of which problems may arise.
- Increased acidity. It is associated with a high content of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (i.e., its walls begin to digest themselves).
- Lying position. During sleep, all organs change their position, as a result, discomfort may occur.
- Gastritis. The stomach is protected from harmful effects due to the mucous membrane. In some cases, this protection is destroyed, and inflammatory processes begin. As a result, erosion or an ulcer may appear.
- Ulcer. It is formed on the gastric mucosa and very often its exacerbation characterizes pain that radiates to the chest and back.
- Reflux. Appears as a result of the inflammatory process and is accompanied by nausea, heartburn. The manifestations of the disease are amplified in a supine position.
- Incomplete bowel movement.
- Gallbladder problems.
- Drinking too salty, fatty, hot or cold food before bedtime.
- Intolerance to dairy products.
- Pregnancy. During this period, the hormonal background is constantly changing, and organs are compressed as the fetus grows.
Peptic ulcer
The presence of an ulcer indicates that the integrity of the mucous membrane of the stomach has been disrupted. Any inflammation in this area may be accompanied by acute or dull pain. Very often, patients note its “spreading” throughout the abdominal cavity.
Due to an ulcer, nightly hungry stomach pains may appear. As a rule, after a snack, unpleasant symptoms go away. Exacerbation of the disease most often occurs in autumn and spring and depends on nutrition. For example, frequent overeating, alcohol and fatty foods can provoke it.
Depending on the severity of the disease, various unpleasant sensations may appear. Most often this occurs 40 minutes after eating. With such pains, one should suspect that the disease has affected the upper parts of the stomach. At this stage, belching appears, a feeling of heaviness and hunger (at the same time), abdominal pain.
An ulcer can also appear 3-6 hours after eating. At this stage, fetid belching due to poorly digested food may disturb. It irritates the stomach, causes heaviness in it.
Different stages of the development of the disease can be accompanied by:
- Feeling of hunger. Because of it, cramps in the stomach may appear, because the digestive juice with hydrochloric acid begins to destroy the mucous membrane. To avoid this, you need to eat fractionally (5 times or more).
- Recurrent pain. Unpleasant sensations do not last long, but they speak of another exacerbation of the disease. All manifestations usually go away on their own and do not require medication.
- Night pain in the stomach. In this case, they are so strong that the patient wakes up. This is characteristic of a well-fed and an empty stomach. Milk will help to quickly improve the condition.
- Sharp pains. This symptom is terrible because it may appear due to perforation of the stomach wall. With him, pains are such that a person cannot stand up. If measures are not taken, then the ulcer can be fatal. The following symptoms are added to the soreness: fever, vomiting, blood in the stool.
Gastritis
Also, nightly hungry stomach pains are characteristic of gastritis. Their appearance is associated with an increase in the amount of acid in the gastric juice. As a result, the walls begin to digest themselves.
Let's try to figure out why gastritis appears. The disease can trigger stressful situations: emotional stress, physical activity, poor nutrition. At the same time, the secretion of gastric juice increases, and a spasm occurs. Symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea are also possible.
Depending on the neglect, the disease may have the following symptoms:
- aching, prolonged pain in the stomach (may give to the lower back);
- heartburn after eating (may be accompanied by bloating);
- diarrhea;
- belching and increased pain after eating (especially oily and smoked).
Some patients try to alleviate the condition and cause vomiting. But doctors do not recommend doing this, because hydrochloric acid will corrode the walls of the stomach even more. Most often, pain occurs with exacerbation of gastritis, the rest of the time the body does not cause any concern.
Pancreatitis
Stomach problems can lead to a serious illness - pancreatitis. In this case, the pancreas is involved in the process. Diseases leading to pancreatitis can cause nightly stomach pain (a doctor must make a diagnosis). The disease has two forms: chronic and acute.
Chronic pancreatitis is:
- Easy. Accompanied by minor pain, rarely repeated.
- Average. It is characterized by: a decrease in gland function, prolonged and noticeable pains, an increase in protein, fats, muscle fibers (in analyzes).
- Heavy. Exacerbations are repeated often (more than 5 times a year), painful and prolonged. If not treated, then complications will come in the form of exhaustion, diabetes, stenosis of the duodenum.
Causes of pancreatitis:
- increased pressure in the bile ducts (mechanical jaundice appears);
- ulcer, gastritis and similar problems;
- the constant use of junk food and alcohol;
- hormonal disruptions;
- poisoning with drugs or chemical elements;
- infectious diseases;
- pancreas injuries;
- heredity;
- severe stress.
Pancreatitis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in the stomach (night, day, morning). This manifestation is very often associated with the presence of gastritis, ulcers, etc. The intensity and duration of pain depends on the form of the disease. Unpleasant sensations can be in the left, right hypochondrium or spread over the body.
- Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, lack of appetite.
- The face becomes yellowish.
- Low pressure.
Intestinal infections
Digestive problems (including nightly stomach pains) can cause pathogenic bacteria. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, pain in the abdomen. If all of them are present, then it is time to consult a doctor - he will prescribe tests and make a diagnosis. It should be remembered that with reduced immunity, infections can lead to sad consequences.
The main source of various harmful bacteria is expired food. However, it is either incorrectly stored or stored for too long. For example, consuming spoiled fresh milk can lead to dysentery, and meat, eggs, and poorly washed vegetables can lead to salmonellosis.
Symptoms of an intestinal infection:
- Pain in the stomach (at night and not only).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea. In this case, it acts as a protective reaction of the body against bacteria (allows you to remove them). Diarrhea is dangerous for dehydration and exhaustion.
- Bloating.
- Loss of appetite.
- Temperature rise.
- Constipation (possible with helminthic invasion).
- Insomnia.
- Decreased immunity. This is due to the activity of pathogenic bacteria, which absorb nutrients and secrete toxins.
- Depression and headache.
- Skin rashes accompanied by itching and burning.
Treatment of intestinal infections is to restore the water-salt balance. That is, the patient needs to drink enough, take sorbents (Polysorb, Smecta). In case of severe fluid loss, consult a doctor to avoid dehydration.
Reflux disease
With this disease, the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus. As a result, its mucous membrane suffers, heartburn or a more serious complication begins. Acid is produced in the stomach, to which it is adapted, but the esophagus is not ready for such a load. Between the esophagus and the stomach there is a sphincter, which should prevent such a throw. But if the valve does not work correctly, then reflux develops.
The causes of the disease:
- junk food;
- diaphragmatic hernia (part of the stomach falls through an opening in the diaphragm);
- pregnancy;
- obesity;
- bad habits;
- low physical activity;
- frequent consumption of salty foods;
- fiber deficiency;
- taking certain medications (antihistamines, painkillers, sedatives).
The main symptom of reflux disease is heartburn (burning in the chest area). The condition worsens when lying down, after eating and can last several hours. Unpleasant sensations can rise to the neck and throat, causing an aftertaste in the mouth (bitter, sour). Also in sick people observed:
- dry cough (sometimes with wheezing);
- asthma accompanied by recurring pneumonia;
- sore throat, periodic laryngitis;
- difficulty swallowing;
- day or night pain in the stomach;
- nausea and vomiting;
- problems with tooth enamel.
In the treatment of reflux, drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid (Famotidine, Ranitidine) will help. Symptoms are quickly removed - Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole, Omeprazole.
Not bad help drugs that help the quick exit of food from the stomach (for example, "Metoclopramide"). In rare cases, reflux is treated with surgery.
First aid
If the state of the body is worried, then you need to seek help from a specialist. He will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. But what if the stomach hurts at night, and there is no one to turn to? There are several simple ways to alleviate the condition.
To remove symptoms or at least slightly reduce pain will help:
- A small cup of tea. If there is hunger, you can not eat, in any case, otherwise the situation will worsen.
- Horizontal position.
- Ice water. It is enough to drink a few sips.
- Low-fat broth to which you need to add a little mint.
Drug treatment
Medicines for stomach pain come in many forms. If severe vomiting is concerned, intramuscular or intravenous injections will help. This will prevent excessive irritation.
Nightly pains in the stomach will relieve drugs such as:
- Almagel A and Maalox. They are distinguished by analgesic and enveloping action. The effect occurs after 5 minutes.
- “No-shpa” or “Drotaverin”. If spasms began to disturb, then these funds will help. They smooth smooth muscles, but do not have an analgesic effect.
- Rectal suppositories "Anuzol". Cope well with nausea, vomiting, but can not cope with diarrhea.
- Bekarbon, Besalol. Tablets relieve stomach cramps and can be used with high acidity. Side effects - dry mouth, arrhythmia (usually in old age).
We are treated with folk remedies
As a treatment for nightly pains in the stomach, folk remedies can be used. All of them are made from natural products and herbs, so they should not have a negative impact.
So, the following remedies will help to heal the stomach:
- Cucumber juice (freshly squeezed only). The vegetable relieves throbbing pain well.
- Infusion of meadowsweet. We take dried flowers (1 tbsp. L.) And pour a glass of boiling water. Let us brew for 3 hours and drink (can be taken several times a day).
- St. John's wort juice. Soothes and muffles discomfort. You can take it 10-20 ml at a time.
- Plantain juice. It relieves spasms. We collect plantain, squeeze juice out of it (about a glass) and drink it in its pure form.
Prevention
Do not start your health, especially if there are problems with the stomach. It is best to take some preventive measures, and then the body will remain healthy for a long time. In this case, you need to eat right and get rid of bad habits. It is also important to observe physical activity, take vitamins.
If your stomach suddenly hurts at night, then it's time to think about:
- normalize weight;
- raise your head higher during sleep;
- eat fractionally;
- remove hot drinks, alcohol and night snacks from the diet;
- stop taking drugs that affect the motility of the esophagus or its mucosa.
An important role in the treatment of gastric diseases is played by proper nutrition, which implies:
- thorough chewing of food;
- cooking mashed potatoes;
- compliance with the regime (eat better at the same time);
- exclusion from the diet of coffee, soda, alcohol, sweets, fatty, fried and sour foods;
- products with coarse fiber are very harmful to the mucosa (legumes, radishes, turnips);
- cooking boiled food (or steamed);
- drinking mineral water (without gas) or herbal teas.
There are many causes of stomach pains, but their intensity, location and nature should be remembered. This will allow the doctor to quickly diagnose and prescribe treatment.